Friday, August 12, 2011

Another "Dream" Realized...

I rarely leave work early - so rarely, it is hard to remember the last time I did it. But, I realize now that when opportunity knocks, if you don't answer that door, it just may not knock again.

 So, when my neighbor and good friend Betty called and asked if I would finally like to learn how to make jelly, I absolutely jumped at the chance.

I told all my co-workers, "I am leaving at 2:30 p.m. - I am going to make jelly!!!" Okay, I got a few strange looks, but when they heard the "I'm fulfilling a dream" tone in my statement, they were all there, helping me get out the door.

There is nothing like having a professional for a teacher - and Betty is just that. From artisan bread to canned beef, from an heirloom garden, to pottery - Betty can do it all. I follow her around like a groupie - amazed at what she can do.

Who knew that if you blanch peaches for 1 minute, the skin rolls off? That sugar should not touch the sides when you are adding it to the fruit? That a rolling boil is needed before you start to time the final phase? 

It is so nice to have a teacher right at hand - not doing your work, but talking you through it - and I learned that the fruit "foam" is one of the most amazing parts of the jelly!

Thanks, Betty - another dream fulfilled!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The First Fruits of Summer!!

During the past two weeks, the road side stands have started to fill with homegrown produce - or produce brought in from neighboring states. From tomatoes to peaches, from zucchini to gorgeous melons, this is the time of year to indulge! 

Turn off those ovens and enjoy the riches of summer!


Make BLTs with juicy, ripe tomatoes.
Each fresh peaches on vanilla ice cream.
Pressure cook fresh corn and serve it with butter, salt, and pepper.


Simple eating. Simple Pleasures.
Ah! The Joy of Summer!